Feeling comfortable at your office is actually considered to be a number one priority for many of us, and for a good reason. Everyone knows that landing a perfect job doesn’t mean only getting a good offer financially. For most people, it’s so much more than that.
While a lucrative financial offer can give us the flexibility to accomplish more outside of work, it’s extremely important to have peace of mind while we’re at the office. No amount of money can be a suitable substitute for happiness, nor can it replace being displeased, moody, dejected, and stressed out all the time. That’s why you should consider chasing only job opportunities where you’re absolutely positive that you’ll feel satisfied and content.
Related: Protect Your Next Job from Company Culture Shock – Ask the Right Questions
It all starts at the employer’s office, so look carefully for the following things.
1. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Around: Other Employees Should Be Pleased With Their Office
As soon as you step in for a job interview, you want to look around and try to read people’s faces and body language. Do they seem happy and complacent? Of course, there can always be certain people who’re having a rough day or a week, but you’ll be able to tell that pretty soon by carefully observing multiple employees.
You can always strike up a conversation with any of them and see how they feel about the space. If they’re pleased and proud to be working there, it’s a good indication and a sign that this company might be it. Don’t be shy to openly and directly ask about their overall levels of satisfaction. Inquire about the workplace in general and get all the information you need. This is pretty important to do because when/if you sign the contract it might be a bit too late for a change of heart.
2. Feel the Energy and Atmosphere Of the Office
This is something you’ll feel instantly, without the need to look or ask around. If your gut feeling tells you that this is the place you want to work at, then a bad comment or two won’t be significant enough to dissuade you from giving that particular company a shot.
This energy and atmosphere aren’t something palpable but are definitely real and easily observable. In case you realize that a sort of a gloomy, dark, or somber atmosphere is dominating the office, you should run like mad and don’t turn back. Given the fact that you’ll spend at least a third of your time during workdays over there, you might want to look for an office that doesn’t feel so dusky and leaden.
3. Pay Attention To the Office Design
The interior design of the office should instantly grabs your attention and ideally make you want to not just work there, but spend your leisure time as well. These office designs aren’t that common since we all like different things, but the most pertinent thing is that space isn’t cluttered and that the furniture is nice and comfortable enough for you to spend some good 8 hours a day without feeling like you want to break free all the time.
Other things you’d want to see there are also some plants/flowers (green color improves mood), and break room essentials like fruits, soft drinks, tea, and some good quality coffee like Lavazza Office Coffee, to boost your productivity and increase the creativity levels at the same time. Any company that cares enough about their employees should do whatever it is in their powers to make the workers feel valued and pleased. There’s no better way to achieve this than by making sure that the office design is top-class and that the employees can regenerate and refresh themselves any time during their workday.
4. Try To Get To Know Your Future Colleagues A Little Bit Better
Another reason why it’s highly advisable to start a conversation with the people who work at the place you’re visiting is to assess whether they would be a good match to work with for a longer period of time.
We’re aware of the fact that you can’t possibly get to know someone by having a conversation that lasts for only a couple of minutes, but you sure can tell if people are likable or not and if you can picture yourself working with them on a daily basis. Remember that it’s not about evaluating them as possible future friends or people with whom you’d gladly hang out in your spare time, but strictly as colleagues. In case you realize that the place is crowded with obnoxious people who don’t share your core values and beliefs, you might want to reconsider the offer. That way you’ll save yourself from many unpleasant conversations that could potentially spoil your mood and stress you out.
The Bottom Line
Finding a good match business-wise isn’t the easiest task to accomplish. Many people struggle to find the perfect or near-perfect employer and office where they are comfortable. Although this might be a difficult thing to obtain, it’s always advisable to never stop seeking these places where you’ll be comfortable working at. We spend so much time at work that we simply can’t afford to be unhappy or stressed out all the time while we’re at the office.
The best way to remedy this is by finding an office that’s full of positive energy and good vibes. So don’t be afraid to ask people who already work there whether they think the place has a good working environment and positive culture or not. That way you’ll not only find about the things you’re interested in, but you’ll also have a chance to get to know your potential future colleagues better. They’re also the ones who hugely affect whether the place has good vibes or not. You also want to make sure that the office has a nice-looking interior design/decoration, furniture, plants/flowers, as well as the break room culture which makes the place even more enjoyable. All these things together can make a perfect spot and a company you can commit to long-term without any hesitation.
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About the author: Emily Wilson is a business psychologist with a passion for marketing. Researching, exploring & writing are her favorite things to do. Besides that, she loves animals and travelling.
I have really enjoyed the article and l definetely agree that working environment is too important.
Never the less I find it very difficult when I will go for an interview to start asking people who work there how do they feel about their working environment and what are the positives and negatives about it.